Detroit City Wire

The Michigan Growth Office has announced the allocation of $661,250 in grant funding to five consortiums across the state as part of its Make MI Home initiative. This pilot program aims to stimulate population growth by focusing on retaining current residents and attracting new ones to Michigan.

Governor Whitmer emphasized the program's dual focus: "Our growth strategy is focused first on retaining Michiganders, ensuring our young people choose to pursue their careers, start a family, or build a business right here in Michigan. It also serves as a beacon to those across the country seeking a great quality of life at a good cost of living to come and join us."

Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II highlighted the program's role in community development: "Make MI Home will build on our momentum to attract and retain more people in our communities."

Chief Growth Officer Hilary Doe noted that each region’s unique needs are addressed through this initiative: "The Make MI Home program is unique in the nation in that it allows regions to lead in articulating what they need to grow and prosper."

Among the recipients is Discover Southwest Michigan, awarded $100,000 for initiatives aimed at attracting skilled professionals and encouraging former residents to return. Grand Valley State University received $200,000 for programs supporting STEM-H talent retention among international and minority students.

Middle Michigan Development Corporation was granted $20,000 for efforts targeting Central Michigan University graduates. TechTown Detroit's Live Innovate Play program secured $250,000 for supporting emerging entrepreneurs from Wayne State University.

West Michigan Works! received $91,250 for enhancing support services for New Americans and international students.

Arthur Havlicek from Discover Southwest Michigan expressed gratitude: “As Michigan grapples with the critical challenge of population growth, this investment demonstrates a strong vote of confidence in our region’s potential.”

GVSU President Philomena Mantella shared her enthusiasm: “The impact our innovative talent attraction and retention program will make...is immense and life-changing.”

James McBryde from Middle Michigan Development Corporation sees this as an opportunity: “Our hope is that through this program, we will be able to create a sustainable model for retention.”

Ned Staebler from Wayne State University remarked on the importance of local talent investment: “This award will enable graduates to transition seamlessly...and provide them with compelling reasons to build their futures here.”

Tasha Evans from West Michigan Works! highlighted how the grant would enhance existing support structures: “We’ll now extend our support to employers transitioning international students from temporary work authorizations to permanent residency.”

For further details about Make MI Home, visit www.michiganbusiness.org/makemihome.